Join us at Stowmarket Library for a special talk with historian Dr Mike Walker and discover how an historian works, using a case study that brings to life the little-known but crucial local events of 1173!
In researching his book about the siege of Haughley Castle and the Battle of Fornham, he uncovered a story packed with dramatic incidents, and populated with extraordinary people. Ranulph de Broc, the man behind the murder of Thomas Becket; Robert 'Whitehands' the Earl of Leicester; Petronella, Leicester's wife, an Amazon dressed in full armour; Hugh Bigod, the self-styled 'Earl of East Anglia'; and the incorruptible body and vengeful spirit of Saint Edmund himself!
The beautiful illustrated coffee-table book will be on sale after the talk. This event is free to attend - no booking required.
Dr Mike Walker read History at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge University, where he also took his PhD. After a career as a teacher, headmaster and university lecturer, he retired to Suffolk. He has written a history of events in Haughley and Fornham in 1173, and has been a regular contributor of items on a wide range of Suffolk history topics to BBC Radio Suffolk. He passionate about history and making the past accessible to all!
This event has been organised in collaboration with Foreword Festival.
